Camp Butler reduces water, energy use

CAMP BUTLER, Japan - October is energy awareness month, a national event designed to raise awareness of the impact energy and water use has on the environment and the economy, while educating the public on how to reduce consumption.

The Energy Engineering and Consulting Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, is initiating several projects designed to help accomplish its goal to reduce electricity and water usage here.

“Our goal is to reduce the overall consumption of energy by Marines on Okinawa 30 percent by 2015,” said Charles Chen, resource efficiency manager with Energy Engineering and Consulting Services. “We also aim to reduce the consumption of potable water, water that is safe for drinking, showering and cleaning, by 16 percent.”

One of MCB Camp Butler’s projects is the advanced metering infrastructure.

“The AMI is a project to install 188 advanced electrical meters on our camps in addition to adding four advanced water meters and a digital water meter allowing us to have better visibility on consumption,” said Lubka Robertson, energy manager, G-F, Facilities, MCB Camp Butler.

Another significant project that will affect MCB Camp Butler is the water leak survey, designed to identify any leaks in distribution lines.

By identifying all water leaks, facilities can take corrective actions to repair them, which should have a substantial impact on water and utility cost savings, according to Tomoko Matsuzaki, mechanical engineer, G-F, Facilities.

“Another project we are implementing is the chiller (the cooling mechanism on air conditioner units) replacement with energy efficient systems,” said Matsuzaki. “We are working on replacing chillers with oil-free magnetic bearing compressor chillers and control systems with building efficiency improvements.

“The aim for this project is to implement state of the art technology for chillers with environmental controls. Each (chiller) will be sized according to the size of the facility, and operate efficiently, reducing energy consumption and costs.”

This year, MCB Camp Butler reduced energy use approximately 1 percent from the previous year and reduced water usage 9 percent, according to Chen.

“With our projects in place, we hope to reduce water and electricity use as well as protect the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” said Robertson. “Greenhouse gases contribute to climate changes that have negative impacts on the planet and its living species; less greenhouse gases means cleaner air and an overall healthier environment.”

Projects such as AMI, replacement of chillers and others will help the Marines and sailors on Okinawa reach their economic and environmental goals.